The Living Legends of Aviation honors aviators – astronauts, pilots, entrepreneurs, innovators, and record breakers – who have become celebrities, as well as celebrities who have become pilots, at a charity gala that raises funds for Kiddie Hawk Air Academy.

R.A. “Bob” Hoover presenting the Aviation Inspiration Awards on the same stage as the Golden Globe Awards just five days earlier.

John Travolta, dubbed the “Official Ambassador of Aviation,” hosted the 10th Annual Living Legends of Aviation Awards at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. Special honors were bestowed upon the first and last human beings ever to walk on the moon. Neil Armstrong had been scheduled to appear in person, but his passing on August 25th, 2012 transformed the honors into a timely tribute to his memory and the importance of space travel.

Kurt Russell wishes R.A. “Bob” HooverHappy 91st Birthday.

Eugene Cernan, Commander of Apollo XVII and Last Man on the Moon, accepted the second Freedom of Flight Award. Cernan said, “Bob Hoover defines the meaning of Living Legends and what it is all about,” adding that Neil Armstrong’s accomplishments will live longer than anyone else in our lives. Danny Clisham, air show announcer, actor, pilot and aerial film coordinator, talked about Cernan’s experience driving across the lunar surface in the moon rover. He relayed a conversation with David Scott, Commander of Apollo XV, “What ever happened to the rover on the moon?” Scott’s reply, “Who cares; it was a rental!”

Tony Bill, pilot and director of Flyboys, presented the prestigious “Aviation Inspiration and Patriotism Award” to David Ellison, one of Hollywood’s youngest producers. Passionate about combing aviation with cinema, Ellison recently produced Jack Reacher with Tom Cruise and World War Z with Brad Pitt. He emphasized, “Since I just turned 30, I hope the most important of aviation is still to come.”

Invitations were extended to Mimi Stuart and Michelle Rouch to enhance the night’s event with uniquely designed artwork to embody the First and Last Missions to the Moon.

Mimi Stuart with “Moonbuggy” and Michelle Rouch with “Splashdown” Artwork on the Red Carpet.

Their series of Apollo paintings illuminated highlights of the space program. At the end of the red carpet entrance, legends autographed the matting around the artwork for an auction to raise funds for Kiddie Hawk Air Academy.

Morgan Freeman narrated a tribute to four Legends who have “Flown West” in 2012: Neil Armstrong, Carroll Shelby, George McGovern, and Al Ueltschi.

Harrison Ford presented the Harrison Ford Aviation Legacy Award to Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum President Greg Anderson for his work with EAA and the creation of the Young Eagles program with Tom Poberezny.

Aerobatic legend Sean D. Tucker energized the crowd by asking, “Who is the most beloved in aviation?” In unison, the guests yelled, “Bob Hoover!” Clips of the documentary film “Flying on Feathered Edge” showed the “Pilot’s Pilot” Bob Hoover’s unparalleled life of flying. In celebration of his 91st birthday, the banquet hall audience rose to their feet for a standing ovation. Hoover presented the Freedom of Flight Awards to the First and Last Man on the Moon. Rick and Mark Armstrong, sons of Neil Armstrong and wife, Carol Armstrong accepted the award on behalf of the first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong. Rick commented that although the world sees Neil Armstrong as a hero, to him he’s always just Dad.

Flanking the stage were the Kiddie Hawk Trainers which give children a simulated flight experience in comprehending yaw, pitch and roll through a manual joystick and foot pedals. Kiddie Hawk Air Academy, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, focuses on youngsters to spark their interest in aviation. More information on Kiddie Hawk Air Academy can be found at http://kiddiehawkairacademy.org.

Rick Armstrong and Michelle Rouch with Artwork“We Came for All Mankind”